Adopted by the Committee April 12, 2007 (and approved by the Board May 14, 2007.)
[The original charge was adopted Sept. 8, 2005 (and approved by the Board Fall 2005).]
Name of Group: Green Sanctuary Committee
Committee Leader: Judy Moores and Mary Wind
Ministry Area: Spiritual Growth Ministry
Purpose:
The purpose of our Green Sanctuary effort is to help us move as individuals and as a church toward a more sustainable future — one that is respectful of Earth – and in harmony with our seventh principle of “respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.” We concentrate on theological, spiritual and ethical aspects of human activities that affect the health and sustainability of living Earth. We seek to empower people by giving them the knowledge they need to make good decisions, the courage of community to adopt new more healthful, meaningful, and thoughtful ways of doing things, and the opportunity to incorporate our UU values into everyday life. We include joy, celebrate our UU faith, and find deeper meaning in our lives. And we expect to have just great fun time during the whole process. Lastly, we spread the news of our good work to others and invite them to join in our work for environmental and social justice. Our aim is to make Earth healthy again – our lives, the lives of our children, and the lives of all living things depend our good work! As a Green Sanctuary, our work will continue, until Earth herself is once again a healthy Sanctuary for all.
Goals and Responsibilities of the Committee:
• To teach the congregation about “Green Sanctuary” on a continuing basis and to coordinate chosen projects.
• To enrich our worship and celebrations through inclusion of a joyful theology of earth justice, morality, and spiritual connection. (Worship and Celebration)
• To encourage the integration of environmental issues into worship and religious education programs for children and adults. (Religious Education)
• To help our church to find ways to live our faith in a way that are best for Earth as well as our community. (Religious Education)
• To build awareness of societal environmental issues among congregants and motivate them to take action to rectify environmental injustices. (Environmental Justice)
• To join with Peace and Justice committee to promote church-wide understanding of environmental justice issues. (Environmental Justice)
• To develop and implement church projects that rectify environmental injustices, and work with other churches and/or groups on environmental injustices beyond the scope of just our church. (Environmental Justice)
• To work with established church committees as well as new ones to integrate environmental practices throughout the church that model good sustainable living practices. (Sustainable Living)
• To motivate, support, and encourage congregants in their personal and social actions for a healthy and sustainable environment. (Sustainable Living)
• To leave the world a better place for the generations to come. (Sustainable Living)
Number of Members Needed on the Committee to Effectively Function:
• Seven - twelve members, at least some of whom represent other committees or interests in the church and who will both act liaisons and catalysts to implement the goals and responsibilities of the committee.
Membership Selection Process:
• Recruitment of a basic committee, and then, on-going recruitment by committee members as needed.
Qualities and Skills Needed by Members:
The members of the Committee need to be representative of the congregation as much as possible in terms of interests and
• To have a commitment to the purpose and the goals of the group.
• To be willing and able to attend monthly meetings of the committee,
• To do a fair share of the work of the committee,
• To be able to work with other committees and bring people along as they learn about the work of the committee and its projects.
Chair and Secretary:
The committee will select the chair or co-chairs annually. An officer may serve up to three years in a row.
Qualities and Skills Needed by Chair:
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to lead meetings effectively and efficiently.
Time Commitment:
1. Frequency of Meetings: Monthly for 1 1/2 to 2 hours
2. Estimated additional time (per month) for Members: 1-3 hours
3. Estimated additional time (per month) for the Chair: 2-4 hours or more
Note: Committee members will be expected to attend regular church activities and be involved with other aspects of the church.
Terms of Office:
Members of the Committee may serve up to three consecutive years, and may be reconsidered for membership after a break of one or more years.